The Standard-Examiner has unveiled its 2026 All-Area Baseball First Team, recognizing the elite talent that defined the recent high school season across the region.
A Season of Excellence
Wyatt Penrod, a senior from Farmington, paced the offense with a .535 batting average, driving in 50 runs and delivering 53 hits, including 11 doubles, four triples and eight home runs, a performance that topped Class 5A.
On the mound, Stephen Starnes posted a 9-2 record, striking out 85 batters in 54 innings while also batting .390 with 39 hits, while Tad Grange matched a 9-2 record with 47 strikeouts over 58 innings and a 2.76 ERA.
Ryan Frei contributed a 4-2 record, a .405 average at the plate, 25 RBIs and 18 runs, and Will Hoffman added a .379 average with six homers and 31 RBIs, underscoring the depth of hitting talent.
Sam Smith’s on-base skills shone with a .549 OBP and a .457 average, tallying 42 hits, 15 doubles and five homers, while Dallen Rice posted a .357 average, 12 doubles and 37 RBIs.
Jowell Dasni and Nik Bielaczyc each combined strong bats with pitching duties; Dasni hit .430 with nine homers and 40 RBIs, while Bielaczyc posted a .424 average, three homers and a 4-2 record with a 4.02 ERA.
Statistical Highlights
Collectively, the first-team roster combined for more than 400 hits, over 250 RBIs and a pitching staff that logged sub-3.00 ERAs across the board, reflecting a season of balanced excellence.